Forest Hills Elementary School has been named a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School by the Minnesota Department of Education, according to an email sent to families by Principal Joel Knorr on Wednesday.

The school is one of seven in Minnesota to earn the distinction. The honor marks Eden Prairie Schools’ second Blue Ribbon recognition in three years, following Oak Point Elementary School’s award in 2023.

The National Blue Ribbon School Award is given annually to schools that demonstrate outstanding student achievement or show significant progress in closing educational gaps. To be considered, schools must maintain a strong academic record over time, have high participation rates in state tests and assessments, and foster a positive, inclusive environment.

The Blue Ribbon program was administered by the U.S. Department of Education until it was discontinued at the end of August 2025. Knorr said in his email that Forest Hills’ application and selection were completed before the program ended, and that the state education department would continue to honor schools that earned the award.

“This honor truly reflects each one of our students, working hard each day to learn and grow, as well as each one of the staff members who partner with them in that journey,” Knorr said in the email.

Forest Hills was awarded this distinction based on several factors, including student achievement on statewide and district assessments; recognition as a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Exemplar School — an MDE program that promotes improved student behavior in schools — and high ratings from student surveys about school climate.

There will be an event in the early afternoon of Nov. 5 to celebrate Forest Hills’ Blue Ribbon School Award, according to the email. Families can expect to receive more information via email in the coming weeks.